Thomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerBrowns linebacker Chris Gocong grimaces as he is carted off the field at training camp in Berea.

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns linebacker Chris Gocong suffered a season-ending torn right Achilles in practice this morning and will undergo surgery as early as Monday, Browns coach Pat Shurmur said.

"We're disappointed he got hurt,'' said Shurmur. "I'm very fond of Chris and the effort he puts into being a good football player. Anytime a good football player like that gets hurt, unfortunately there's a loss there.

"The challenge for us is to cover it up with the guys that are on this roster. I talked to Chris, he's fine. Unfortunately we're moving on and he understands that.''

It's the second major injury to a defensive player this season. Defensive tackle Phil Taylor suffered a torn pectoral muscle in May and is out until at least late October or early November.

The Browns are also preparing to be without linebacker Scott Fujita for the first three games of the season for his bounty-gate suspension.

It was immediately thought to be serious when Gocong did the all-too-familiar "Achilles grab'' on the field. Defending on a touchdown pass to tight end Jordan Cameron, Gocong planted and then grabbed his lower leg. He never left his feet, and the injury was non-contact.

He knelt for a moment, grabbing his lower leg near the ankle. After a few moments, he fell to his back with his hands over his face and shaking his good foot in reaction to the pain.

Gocong, the starting weakside linebacker -- and starting strongside for the first three games in the absence of Fujita -- was helped onto the cart by trainers and couldn't put any weight on the right leg. Fujita came over and patted Gocong on the shoulder and said a few words.

“It’s hard when you see anybody have something like that happen in practice, but especially Chris, watching how far he’s come in the last couple years, me being this close to him as I am,'' said Fujita. "He's just a guy we enjoy being around every day. He’s such a great teammate. It's hard.''

With the injury casting a pall over practice, Fujita huddled the players to address it.

"Things like that do kind of change the pace and mood of practice,'' he said. "As hard as it is, you have to find a way to rise above it and get back to work. It’s hard to do, especially with someone like Chris, who we respect so much.''

Middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson acknowledged it's a huge blow for the defense, which was ranked 10th last season.

"Every year it's something,'' he said. "It's a part of the game, but you don't get used to it.''

The injury is magnified by Fujita's absence the first three games unless his suspension is overturned in court. His lawyers filed a brief on Friday, and his hearing is Aug. 10, the same day as the preseason opener in Detroit. Fujita will attend the game instead of the hearing.

"My focus in training camp has to be on football,'' he said. "I get debriefed every few days. But I have to be with the team.''

Gocong's injury thrusts rookie linebackers James-Michael Johnson, their fourth-round pick, and Emmanuel Acho, their sixth-rounder, into the spotlight. Current starters outside will most likely be Kaluka Maiava, who started the final five games of the season after Fujita went on injured reserve with a broken hand, and Johnson.

"Losing a guy like that and with Fujita's situation, we're definitely gonna miss our leaders and we've just got to be ready,'' said Maiava. "If someone goes down, you've got to fill the spot in, be positive and produce.''

Johnson, from Nevada, stood out Monday in practice, picking off two passes and standing up Brandon Jackson on the goal line.

"I feel like I can make plays at whatever position,'' said Johnson. "I’m not really worried about (starting the first game). All I’m worried about is just doing whatever they need me to do. Hopefully we can get Chris back as soon as possible.''

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